July 2010
30 Mile An Hour Speed Limit On Shooters Hill Reinforced
You may have spotted a welcome new addition on Shooters Hill just before the Woodlands Farm entrance. An 'activated traffic calming' sign has been permanently installed as part of the traffic calming and road safety measures implemented on and around Shooters Hill at the beginning of this year. The Highways division of Greenwich Council has confirmed that the purpose of this sign it to warn drivers that they are travelling above the speed limit of 30 miles per hour, and must slow down. It is activated by vehicles travelling above the speed limit. Four orange lights in the corners flash and a 'slow down' message appears. It is expected that drivers will take note of their speed and slow down, therein improving road safety. The sign has been installed where pedestrians cross between the bus stops, and is part of a number of road improvements. The Strategic Transportation team, responsible for road safety and traffic calming initiatives for Greenwich Borough, worked throughout 2009 with various partners, agencies, the police, Transport for London (TFL) and local communities such as the Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, in developing ways in which to help improve road safety and implement traffic calming initiatives. For any queries about how this sign works, contact Harvi Panesear of the Highways division on 020 8921 5579 or email: harvinder.panesar@greenwich.gov.uk
1 July 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
June 2010
Local Parks Transformed Over The Weekend of Friday 25 and Saturday 26 June
Performing arts group Chalemie entertained children and adults with 18th century English pantomime, music and dancing in Eaglesfield Park on Friday 25 June as part of Greenwich Councils ParksFest 2010 programme. The park was transformed from 4pm with children's activities, and then from 7pm with the cast of Chalemie. Getting the steps right proved a worthwhile challenge as local residents took part in a number of dances capturing a flavour of music, song and dance that would have been performed in this area three centuries ago. Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme Co-ordinators attended the Friends of Shrewsbury Park Midsummer Parks Dream event on Saturday 26 June, hosting a stand promoting the scheme and benefits of Neighbourhood Watch.
A great day was had by co-ordinators Graham Penn, Mick Carey, Jenny Penn and Simon Powis (pictured left to right).
Partnership working with volunteer groups across the community is key to engaging people, drawing communities together and helping tackle crime. Many a cream cake was eaten whilst the dog show, the key attraction of the day, drew many a dog lover in. Other participants and activities included drummers and local residents campaigning group Shooters Hill Against Masts (SHAM).
If you would like to know more about the scheme or are interesting in setting up your own scheme, contact scheme Principal Co-ordinators Jenny and Graham Penn by email: epnws@hotmail.co.uk
28 June 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
A action packed weekend of activities for all the family
The weekend of Friday 25 to Sunday 27 June welcomes activities and events from local voluntary groups and clubs, for all the family.
Friends of Eaglesfield Park Family Fun, Friday 25 June, from 4pm
Friends of Shrewsbury Park's Summer Festival, Saturday 26 June, 1-4 pm
Friends of Shrewsbury Park’s 2010 Summer Festival is part of a larger, two-day programme of events called 'The Midsummer Parks Dream', held in partnership with the Friends of Eaglesfield Park and part of Greenwich Council’s ParksFest programme.
The Summer Festival in Shrewsbury Park will be held on Saturday 26 June and starts from 1 to 4pm – featuring stalls of local community groups and craftspeople, a fabulous dog show, a story-telling space, a drumming workshop, circus performers, musicians, children's mini-Olympics (featuring soft javelin and discus) and walk-around impromptu shows of all kinds organized within an old-fashioned street-market format.In the evening, the performances will continue with a Prom in the woods at 7pm, with the Plumstead quartet performing light classical and modern music, along with other local performers.
Toilets will be provided this year. For more information visit the parksfest website at: www.parksfest.org and the Friends of Shrewsbury Park website at: www.fspark.org.uk
Shooters Hill Lawn Tennis Club Open Day, Sunday 27 June, 10:00am to 3pm
The club is hosting an Open Day for all ages, with free taster sessions. It is held on the middle Sunday of the Wimbledon Championships and the club looks forward to welcoming all tennis fans and interested players.
Activities include:
• Mini tennis: 10-10.45am: (red, orange, green, full) 3-5yrs
• 10.45-11.30am: 6-9yrs
• 11.30am-12.30pm 10-16yrs
• 12.30-1pm: games/fastest serve
• Lunch 1-1.30: there will be refreshments and a bar
• 1.30-3pm: Adults (all abilities)
You don’t require any equipment as everything is supplied on the day. Wear something comfortable including non marking trainers.
For more information visit the Shooters Hill Lawn Tennis Club website at: www.shootershilllawntennisclub.co.uk.
20 June 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
Tour of the Eaglesfield Park Anti Aircraft Gun and Community Archaeology Saturday 19 June 2pm
One of the first fixed anti aircraft gun sites, based in Eaglesfield Park, has been the subject of a community based archaeological dig for the past week and at 2pm on Saturday 19 June you have a chance to see rare evidence of those remarkable days and the desperate arms race between the British Government and German aviators. The archaeologists of the Digging Dad's Army Project are offering a tour of the excavation and a chance to see the their work as they continue to uncover the secrets of this lost piece of Greenwich borough history. This is your last chance to see the site before it is covered up again to protect it, pending discussions about its future. Digging Dad's Army is a new kind of publicly accessible, community archaeology. Their motto is "A People's Archaeology for a People's War," and all their work is carried out by a mixture of professional archaeologists, students and members of the local community, all working as part of the same team and sharing the work as it happens with the public. The work on this rare and exciting site has been carried out with the cooperation of the London Borough of Greenwich Parks and Open Spaces Department and is part of this Summer's "Digging The Blitz Project," which "Digging Dad's Army, " is undertaking in partnership with Firepower- The Royal Artillery Museum and Greenwich Heritage Centre. "Digging The Blitz," is designed to research and commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Blitz of 1940 and the most momentous summer in modern British History, through the collections of Greenwich Museums, the memories of Greenwich people and the archaeology in Greenwich's Parks and Streets.
17 June 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
The Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme held its third free, family fete on Saturday 12 June
The annual event, the best attended to date, was held in Eaglesfield Park situated at the top of Shooters Hill. The fete provided an opportunity for local groups, businesses and services providers to showcase their work and helps to foster community spirit and promote the benefits of Neighbourhood Watch. Highlights of the day included:
• a working birds of prey demonstration and a chance to meet ‘Rufus’ the harris hawk, as seen on CBBC‘ Animals at Work’
• playing ‘beat the goalie’ with the Charlton Athletic FC
• meeting the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police team including PCSO Steve – a bit hit with the children
• taking part in mini tennis with the Shooters Hill Lawn Tennis Club
• listening to a mini drum display by the Corps of Drums 97 Cadet Battery (Woolwich)
• learning more about the history and archaeology of Eaglesfield Park from Digging Dads Army
• watching the Metropolitan Police Air Support team fly over in their helicopter.
Hundreds of families took part in the fun activities, stands and stalls and got to know the people that help make the community great. Terrific prizes were won in the raffle including tickets to see Bon Jovi at the O2. The scheme organisers thank the very generous contributions from Greenwich Council, the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team, the Shooters Hill Lawn Tennis Club, Greenwich Theatre, the Bull Pub and Foxcroft Store. The home-made cakes were a hit and sold out before the end of the day. Members of the 8-15th Woolwich Scout Group help man the refreshments stand with scheme co-ordinators. The bric-a-brac stand was well attending, including the photo quiz competition won by one of the team of Greenwich Council Wardens that attended the fete. Kid’s corner was a great success, with many children taking advance of Tania’s face painting skills, playing hoopla and taking part in the fishing game and Nature Trail and History quiz. There was something for everyone! The fete was organised by the Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme Co-ordinators and was opened by PC Fiona Genovese of the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police Team. For more information about the scheme email: epnws@hotmail.co.uk
16 June 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
Career Development in the Met Police
PC Fiona Genovese celebrates months of hard work in passing her Sergeant's exam.
Fiona studied solidly for four months during 2010, sitting an exam containing 150 questions which is completed in three hours. The exam is sat throughout England and Wales only once a year. Over 9,000 people sat the 2010 exam, with 44% of candidates passing. Prospective sergeants are tested on four main subjects including Traffic, Evidence and Procedure, General Police Duties and Crime. The subjects are very detailed and require a thorough understanding of complex legislation.
Sergeant Barry Edge of the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team supported Fiona throughout the process. Fiona confirmed: "Once you pass the exam you have to submit an application via your Chief Inspector which is sent off to the Met Police head office. A board of people sit and read the applications. You have to pass seven competencies showing you have achieved sergeant behaviours. The results of this should be received at the end of July" On passing all of the requirements, prospective sergeants then select police stations and boroughs they would like to work in. If accepted they are transferred and will become a sergeant for one year. During this time they have to complete a work-based assessment where they continually show they are working to a sergeant's level.They are overseen by an assessor throughout the year and if successful, they are signed off to become a substantive sergeant. The Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme congratulates PC Fiona Genovese on achieving this important stage in her career, and hopes the Shooters Hill Ward will continue to benefit from her experience, knowledge and passion for the community for some time to come.
14 June 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
Community Fete - A free, fun and action-packed family afternoon
The Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme is hosting its third, free annual Community Fete on Saturday 12 June in Eaglesfield Park SE18, from 1:30 to 4:30pm.
The event helps to foster community spirit and promote the benefits of Neighbourhood Watch. It also provides a great way for local volunteer groups, businesses and service provides to showcase their work. This is your chance to take part in fun activities, stands and stalls and get to know the people that help make our community great.
•Meet 'Rufus' the harris hawk from CBBC Animals At Work, play 'beat the goalie' with the Charlton Athletic FC, take part in mini tennis and listen to the Corps of Drums 97 Cadet Battery (Woolwich).
•The police have pulled out all the stops this year and you will be able to see the Met Police Air Support team and traffic divisions. Cadets and Met Police Specials will be on hand, and the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police team.
•Join in the nature trail and guided tour, and have your face and hands painted.
•Take part in the raffle to a win 2 pairs of tickets to see Bon Jovi in the VIP suite at the 02, plus many other great prizes.
•Yummy home-made cakes and refreshments will be on sale, as well as a bric-a-brac stand.
•There is something for everyone!
•The fete opens at 1:30pm by PC Fiona Genovese of the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police Team.
7 June 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
Happy First Birthday Shooters Hill Ward Website
The Shooters Hill Ward Website celebrated its first birthday on 1 June, with over 100 visitors per week and 5,600-plus pages viewed since the site launched.
Thank you to all the visitors to the site - without your support the site would not continue to develop and grow. Webmasters Jenny and Graham Penn strive to update the site on a regular basis, working closely with the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police team and other partners and agencies to provide you with up-to-date information on safety, security and community. We welcome your constructive feedback and don't forget to let us know about any safety, security or community events happening where you live and work. Stay updated by registering to receive email alerts informing you when the website has been updated. Register your email address at: contact@shnws.org.uk
4 June 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
'Operation Protect' Helps Secure The Safety Of The Children
The Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police team conducted patrols of schools, with particular focus on the half term week and school kicking out time
There were no incidents of disorder or anti social behaviour between schools during this period across the Shooters Hill Ward. However during a search of the area, members of the police team found some weapons near the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. 'Operation Protect' supports high visibility policing to help prevent violent incidents and anti social behaviour occurring between young people from rival schools. Safer Neighbourhoods Police and Safer Transport Teams are targeting commuting hubs including bus stops in Baker Road (off Woolwich Common) and Plumstead Common Road. The teams will carry out weapons sweeps, with some schools having knife arches installed.
2 June 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
May 2010
Cat Crime - You Can Help
Two ginger and white cats were stolen from Woodbrook Road, SE2 between 3 and 6pm of Monday 24 May. The thieves entered the property from woodlands to the rear of the house and stole both cats, cat carriers and cat food. Both cats are very affectionate, with great personalities and were awaiting adoption through the Greenwich Branch of the Cats Protection League. They are spayed and micro-chipped. Did you see anyone acting suspiciously in the area, or carrying plastic cat carriers? Do you know anyone trying to sell cats that fit their description? If you have any information call 020 8855 1027 or 020 8854 4578. Or call the Plumstead Safer Neighbourhood Police Team on 020 8721 2639/07920 233 824, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
31 May 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
Police Drop-In Surgeries Being Reviewed To Help Meet Your Needs
ou have an opportunity to meet the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police Team. From 3:30 to 4:00pm every Wednesday members of the team are available at different locations throughout the Shooters Hill Ward. This is your opportunity to talk face-to-face with the team about any issues or concerns you might have with policing in our community.
The Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team is keen to increase attendance levels and provide you with police drop-in surgeries that meet the needs of residents, businesses and visitors across the Shooters Hill ward. Dates and locations of these drop-in surgeries are being reviewed and the team would like to hear from you.
Please help to improve the service by providing your feedback to the following four questions.
Copy and paste your replies in to an email to: surgeries@shnws.org.uk
1. What time of day would you find it most useful to attend?
2. What day of the week would you find it more useful to attend?
3. What central location would you suggest the drop-in surgeries could be hosted?
4. What would encourage you to attend a drop-in surgery?
Your feedback will help towards improving the police service to you..
23 May 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
Update Following The Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Ward Panel Meeting
The latest Shooters Hill Ward Panel meeting was held on Tuesday 11 May, where community representatives, councillors and guest speakers are invited to meet with the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team to discuss key policing issues and concerns. Policing priorities for the Shooters Hill Ward are agreed for the forthcoming eight weeks. Key items discussed included:
A presentation from Greenwich Council's Anti Social Behaviour (ASB) team including how the team operates, focus areas and keys issues. The council's ASB team focuses on the impacts to our communities from a civil point of view, working closely with the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team (and other agencies) who focus on the criminal aspects. To contact the ASB team call the Greenwich Council contact centre on 020 8921 4661 or email: contact-centre@greenwich.gov.uk Sergeant Barry Edge provided an update on key police activities over the eight weeks from the last meeting including 15 arrests. Some residents living in both Woolwich Common and Barnfield Estates were seen openly dealing drugs, subsequent arrests revealed 40 wraps of crack cocaine, cannabis and cash. Two people were arrested and are currently on bail. The police are aware of new faces on the estates, but some of the more familiar people who have anti social behaviour orders (ASBOs) in place were arrested after breaching those orders. Those arrested are now going to court. Three arrests have been made for people carrying out prolific tagging and graffiti in the ward. A gang involved in a counterfeit cash operation in Herbert Road are going to court. Burglaries are down across the ward compared to the last eight weeks, and nothing was found during a recent weapons sweep of the Barnfield Estate. You can do your bit to help the police and ensure our communities are a safe, secure and pleasant places to live in. Call it in. If you see something unusual, or someone acting suspiciously - call it in. Don't delay - if you witness something taking place there and then dial 999. If something has happened recently contact the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team to provide your valuable information and intelligence.
19 May 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
Local Tennis Club Hits The Big Time
The Shooters Hill Lawn Tennis Club, located on Eaglesfield Road SE18, is sporting a celebrity with Head Coach Phil Layfield winning Kent County Association Coach of the Year award.
"It was a lovely surprise and a great honour really,” Phil said. "The club came runners-up to Sevenoaks in the club of the year category so it’s been a tremendous boost for us all. "With the amount of junior members we have, we get them to join the British Tennis membership scheme, which is free when you join a club like ours. We also have Tennis Clubmark which confirms we are very professionally run club." Phil, who has been coach at the club for three years, and the rest of the club officers are proud of the club's diversity, taking members from all over north Greenwich. The county Lawn Tennis Association is impressed with the numbers of 'tennis leaders' coming through the club's ranks. Club membership has peaked at 273 and nearly reaching full capacity. Members compete in the Kent and North Kent competitions as well as internal tournaments. All ages and abilities can join the club for either a leisurely game of tennis or those aspiring to the heights of Wimbledon. The club has a very proactive team of younger players who benefit from feeling safe and having fun. Phil confirmed: "There’s no pressure. We just expect our players to turn up on time, try their best and enjoy themselves." For more information visit the Shooters Hill Lawn Tennis Club website.
14 May 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
Take Your Partner By The Hand....And Raise Money For A Great Cause
Woodlands Farm at 331 Shooters Hill is hosting a barn dance on Saturday 19 June, from 7:30 to 11:00pm, to help raise money for the Severndroog Castle restoration fund. For only £12 a ticket you will be entertained by the famous 'Skinners Rats' live band, in a real barn, including a light supper. Bring your own drinks and glasses. Tickets are going fast and can be purchased from the Woodlands Farm Office on 020 8319 8900, or phone Barry Gray on 020 8854 5579. Help to save the historic Severndroog Castle and have fun too!
10 May 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
Positive Reporting Changes For Our Safer Neighbourhood Team
The Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police Team now operates within the Woolwich cluster of Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT's). Inspector Jas Sandhu has taken over the role from Inspector Nick Crowe and Jas now looks after both Shooters Hill and Woolwich Common SNT's Following the change, effective 1 April, Jas Sandhu has a more strategic overview and understanding of the policing issues which overlap the ward boundaries of Woolwich Common, Glyndon and Shooters Hill. Jas confirmed: "Having Woolwich Common and Shooters Hill in the same cluster will enable me to co-ordinate police and partner resources on both wards which should lead to solving issues rather than displacing them." Jas will be attending all of the SNT's Ward Panel meetings and as many street surgeries and meetings as possible. He aims to provide visible, accessible SNT's who will strive to improve the quality of life for residents, increase community confidence by engaging with local residents and help to prevent and detect crime. If you would like to discuss specific issues with crime or quality of life, you can contact Jas through your local SNT and email at: jaspal.sandhu@met.police.uk
1 May 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
April 2010
News Update From The Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police Team
Theft from motor vehicles remains an issue within the Shooters Hill Ward, with the thieves striking at night. The Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme has received reports of residents leaving their keys both in cars and house doors. Please do your bit to help protect your property by removing any valuables from your car and be mindful of your keys. See the news story of 2 April for more hints and tips. Several trails bikes have been spotted being driven across Woodlands Farm and at the top of Shooters Hill. The police need your help in helping to apprehend these people. Do your bit to help tackle this illegal and dangerous activity by calling it in to the police, providing as much information as possible such including description of the bikes, riders, locations and time of day. The Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team carries our regular patrols, both in uniform and plain clothes. The team aim to spend 80% of their time patrolling within our community, day and night, to help catch the criminals and act as a deterrent.
25 April 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
Tagging Causes Misery To Residents
Houses, vehicles, fences, parks and open spaces are being targeted by a prolific tagger operating in both Greenwich and Bexley Boroughs. Someone has taken it upon themselves to cause wide-range damage to both public and private property by spraying their tag. You may have seen this tag on the water tower at the top of Shooters Hill and in various locations along Shooters Hill. Tagging, graffiti and vandalism impacts the fear of crime and crime itself. Left unchecked, this gives messages to both offenders and residents that no one cares. Consequently offenders are not deterred from committing similar acts again, and a perceived rise in crime becomes a reality. The police are very keen to catch this offender in the act but they need your help. If you see this person tagging call the police immediately on 999. Provide as much information as possible including location, description of the person and what they are wearing. To request tagging and graffiti to be removed in Greenwich Borough, contact the Greenwich Council Contact Centre 020 8921 4661 or
email: contact-centre@greenwich.gov.u Tagging is a form of graffiti and is generally personal to the perpetrator. Tagging is often used by gangs and in many cases it can signal that the area may be gang territory. Graffiti consists of either drawings, scribbles, messages or tags and is regarded as an art form for those people undertaking it but is also regarded as a nuisance, often associated with anti-social behaviour and gang culture.
25 April 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
Shooters Hill Against Masts (SHAM) - Residents Launch Campaign
Residents from the Laing estate and adjoining roads have joined forces and launched SHAM. Started by residents of Bushmoor Crescent, the campaign objective is to seek the removal of the mast situated in the old fire station on Eaglesfield Road, Shooters Hill.Campaign organisers have erected posters around the old fire station and surrounding roads, and enlisted residents from neighbouring roads. SHAM is aiming to get more residents actively involved to help progress the campaign. Residents may be aware that a number of planning applications for mobile and TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio) equipment have been approved by the council, or won on appeal. Therein followed numerous objections and petitions by residents, which to date have been ignored by the council and residents elected representatives. SHAM are determined to seek a change of view from the council regarding the positioning of this masts and applications, and wish to question the council regarding concerns about:
• The Fire Station mast is located within a Conservation area and why is this not a consideration in the planning process.
• There are pre and after school OFSTED registered clubs in Shrewsbury House.
• Two mobile operators are not conforming to their licences and this has been raised with OFCOM.
• Health issues for residents living in the close proximity is a real concern, with many residents suffering from minor, moderate and serious health problems and in some cases attributing these to the mast.
• The cumulative effect of multiple mobile applications and the doubling of strength of the TETRA equipment, with current omission levels the same for residents next to and hundreds of metres from the mast.
If you would like to get involved and support the campaign in any way you can contact either Chris or George as follows:Chris tel 020 7340 7179 – day, 020 8854 0352 –evening or email: chris@higgs18.plus.com - George tel: 020 8855 2755 or email: elisabethravi@talktalk.net
20 April 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
Don't Put People's Lives At Risk
By parking without due care and attention, or illegally, you could be putting people's lives at risk.
To make sure you are informed and stay within the right side of the law, why not remind yourself of some parking dos and don'ts including:• Parking on pavements, footways and grass verges is illegal on most streets in the Greenwich Borough, even if only one wheel is on the kerb. The exception is where there is a blue sign with a 'P' showing a car parked on the pavement Yellow lines indicate where you must not park
• Double yellow lines mean no parking at any time, for example 24 hours a day
• Single yellow lines indicate that you cannot park there at certain times. The times when the restriction applies are stated on nearby signs or, if you are in a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) on the CPZ boundary signs
• Yellow vertical stripes on the kerb indicate where you must not load or unload.
• Double yellow vertical stripes mean no stopping to load or unload at any time. Single vertical stripes mean no stopping to load or unload during the times stated on nearby signs. The rules regarding loading or unloading apply equally to Blue Badge Holders.
• Do not park opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space.
Greenwich Council enforces parking restrictions on the public highway and in council car parks. If you want to report an illegally parked vehicle, the quickest and most effective method is to contact the Greenwich Council Contact Centre on 020 8921 4339. They will log the details and instantly send a request to the parking enforcement management team to attend. A Civil Enforcement Officer will investigate the issue as soon as possible. For more information visit the Greenwich Council website at: www.greenwich.gov.uk
14 April 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
Traffic Calming and Road Safety Initiatives Implemented
The Strategic Transportation team, responsible for road safety and traffic calming initiatives for Greenwich Borough, worked throughout 2009 with various partners, agencies, the police, Transport for London (TFL) and local communities such as the Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in developing ways in which to help improve road safety and implement traffic calming initiatives. Residents directly affected by the proposals were involved in a public consultation process.
Work commenced on Shooters Hill and Shrewsbury Lane from 25 January 2010 over an eight week period, with minimal disruption to road users and pedestrians. The traffic calming and road safety initiatives include: 1 A series of five traffic islands have been installed on Shooters Hill to help prevent wreckless overtaking, reduce the speed of traffic and in turn it is hoped reduce the number of accidents and fatalities. 2 Pedestrians using Shooters Hill should find it much easier to cross the road using the new pedestrian refuge islands near Woodlands Farm and at the east of Cleanthus Road near the water tower. 3 The junction of Shrewsbury Lane and Shooters Hill has seen a makeover with a new speed table which should help assist in reducing the number of accidents at this junction.
4 Buses and other vehicular traffic should have a much smoother and safer journey on the new road surface. 5 Shooters Hill is also a major bus route and many of the stops have been refurbished as part of the works.
TFL funded the scheme and Greenwich Council's team contractors J.B. Riney carried out the work. Darren Little, Senior Engineer Highways and Structures, said: "On the whole the council is pleased with the progress of the scheme. This site and the accident statistics will be monitored over the coming months to see what improvements have been made."
7 April 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
Breaking News From the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team
There have been several incidents of theft of and from vehicles throughout the Shooters Hill Ward over the past weeks. The incidents occurred mainly at night. Please do your bit to help protect your vehicle:
• Ensure you park your vehicle close to your home within sight and sound
• Park your vehicle in a residential area close to occupied homes, and where there is good street lighting
• Remove any valuables from your vehicle
• Do not leave coats, bags or documents in your vehicle
• Take your Sat Nav / TomTom out of your vehicle when you lock it up and remove any tell-tale sucker markings on your window
• If your home address is programmed into your Sat Nav, ensure you save it under a name other than 'Home'
If you see anyone acting suspiciously call it in - Your Call CountS.
Further changes are happening to the team to help provide sufficient policing for over 22,000 residents in a geographically challenging ward which includes a number of parks, woodland and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. PC Darren Culverwell joins the team from 6 April, replacing PC Sarah Knapp. The team says goodbye to PCSO Adam Gibbs who was with team for a few months. Going forward the team will consist of:
• Sergeant Barry Edge
• PC Fiona Genovese
• PC Richard Sale
• PC Darren Culverwell
• PCSO Kevin Denney
• PCSO Adam Kear
• PCSO Giles Balestrini
• PCSO Russell Chapple
2 April 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
March 2010
'Op Protect' Helps Provide Safer Travel
The Safer Neighbourhood Police Teams and Safer Transport Teams have joined forces to help tackle incidents of crime and anti social behaviour taking place at central bus stops and commuting hubs. 'Operation Protect' focuses on locations where school children are congregating in large numbers to help deter potential clashes of rival schools. You may have spotted these officers on duty, for instance at the new hub bus stops located at General Gordon Square in Woolwich Town Centre. The main roles of the Safer Transport Teams are:
• Providing a reassuring presence when it is most needed by passengers and staff
• Working with various partners to help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour
• Tackling graffiti and vandalism
• Providing personal safety and crime prevention advice
• Working in partnership with Transport for London revenue inspectors to combat anti-social behaviour and fare evasion
• Carrying out patrols to identify and deter suspicious activity.
During 2008/09 the Major of London committed to enhancing local Safer Transport Teams by providing increased visible presence at identified transport hubs. An additional 440 uniformed officers operate out of locations such as bus stations and major transport interchanges in areas with crime and anti social behaviour issues.
30 March 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
Local Landmark Wins a Heritage Lottery Fund Grant For £595,500
Severndroog Castle has been closed to the public for 20 years. Thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant the castle will be restored as a visitor attraction, educational centre and tea room.It will be run by a local trust and volunteers who will be trained to act as guides, staff the cafe and assume the day-to-day management of the castle. David Goodfellow of the Severndroog Castle Building Preservation Trust said: "We are delighted with the confirmed award from HLF, which is a major step forward in achieving our objective of restoring this unique building. There is still plenty of hard work to be done but this decision, together with grant funding support from a number of other organisations as well as significant support from Greenwich Council and the local community, has greatly increased our sense of optimism about reopening a fully-restored Severndroog Castle to the public." Severndroog Castle stands on the top of Shooters Hill and is a local landmark. Built in 1784, it commemorates a long-forgotten British naval victory against pirates marauding in the Indian Ocean.
25 March 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
Car Crime Is On the Increase in Our Ward
During the space of two days in the second week in March, ten vehicles were broken in to throughout Woolwich Common. The Principal Coordinator of the Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch discovered a vehicle on Shrewsbury Lane with its side windows smashed and alarm sounding. This incident was phoned in to the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police team. PC Fiona Genovese was on patrol in the vicinity and was able to be at the scene in a matter of minutes. The incident was one of two that occurred on the same street in the early hours of Thursday. This illustrates the importance of calling in all instances of crime and anti-social behaviour.
Do your bit and remain vigilant. Ensure you take measures to protect your vehicles and remove all contents from display. Why not invest in a steering wheel lock?
And don't forget - if you see a crime in progress dial 999.
If you want to report an incident after it has happened dial the non-emergency number on 0300 123 1212 and the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police team Email: shootershill.snt@met.police.uk Mobile (local rates apply): 020 8649 3540, Office: 020 8855 7379
20 March 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
Wruff Justice!
Ron and Lyn are celebrating with the safe return of their pug dog Ruby. With the help of the police, Ruby was reunited with its owners on Thursday 4 March. A proactive investigation by the Greenwich Criminal Investigations Department commenced when two men stole Ruby on 17 February as part of a robbery in Flaxton Road, Plumstead. Following media appeals, police received information from members of the public and pursued several leads until Ruby was found. Investigating officer at Greenwich Robbery Squad, Detective Sergeant Keith Simmonett said: 'We are pleased to have reunited the dog with the owner. We would like to thank the press for their assistance'. A twenty year-old man was arrested on 3 March in connection with four counts of robbery. He has been bailed to return to a South East London police station in April.
18 March 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
Care Enough To Call It In
Have you stood at a bus stop and been dismayed at it being covered in graffiti, or the toughening glass of the bus shelter covered in etchings? Graffiti and vandalism impacts the fear of crime and crime itself. Left unchecked, this gives messages to both offenders and residents that no one cares. Consequently offenders are not deterred from committing similar acts again, and a perceived rise in crime becomes a reality. You can do something to help combat this anti social and criminal behaviour by reporting vandalism of bus shelters to Adshel on 0800 731 3699 or email: customerservices@tfl-buses.co.uk Quote the unique identification number of the bus stop, which is located on a black and white bar code in the corner of the bus shelter. The team will come out immediately to remove the offensive material and in turn help improve how our communities look and feel. You can also report damage to Greenwich Council. Bus shelters are deemed as street furniture by the council and you can report in any issuing by using their online form.
Graffiti consists of either drawings, scribbles, messages or tags and is regarded as an art form for those people undertaking it but is also regarded as a nuisance, often associated with anti-social behaviour and gang culture. Tagging is a form of graffiti and is generally personal to the perpetrator. Tagging is often used by gangs and in many cases it can signal that the area may be gang territory.
14 March 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
Help Tackle Fly-Tipping
The Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme has been working with the Greenwich Council Safety and Integrated Enforcement Team on ways to help combat fly-tipping.
You may have spotted anti fly-tipping signs installed in February 2010 at various fly-tipping hot spots within the community .
This follows on from the spate of fly-tipping carried out in autumn 2009 in Cleanthus, Eaglesfield and Foxcroft Roads.Fly-tipping is illegal and anyone fly-tipping waste is committing a serious offence. Fly-tipping is the illegal deposit of any waste on to land i.e. waste dumped or tipped on a site with no license to accept waste. Fly-tipped waste generally consists of large items of rubbish that are dumped illegally on land instead of being disposed of properly at a landfill site tip, often referred to as 'dumping'. The scheme thanks the Safety and Integrated Enforcement Team for their support and hopes the signs will provide a visual deterrent to help combat this criminal behaviour. You can report instances of fly-tipping to the council by phone on 020 8921 4661, email: flytipping@greenwich.gov.uk or online form. Provide as much information as possible including the date, time and place, the person's description and the vehicle's registration number. Visit the Greenwich Council website to find out more.
7 March 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
Neighbourhood Watch Schemes Help Tackle Crime
The residents of the Laing Estate and Neighbourhood Watch Scheme spotted a suspicious car and reported it in to the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police Team. On further inspection it appears the car has been used in burglaries carried out in Plumstead, then dumped in the Laing Estate.
The Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police team confirmed that on Friday 19 February two streets in the Slade, Plumstead, were hit hard by burglars. Five properties were been broken in to, through UPVC windows and doors that had not been locked properly.
This is a continuing problem that could have been averted with your help. Please do your bit to help protect your property. If not you could run the risk of being targeted by burglars.
» If you have UPVC doors ensure you lift the handle, then fully lock the door with a key
» Remove the key once the door has been locked and secure it in an easily accessible, but discrete location in case of emergency
» Ensure windows are fully secured and locked
» Keep your car keys out of sight
» If you have elderly neighbours or people who need an extra bit of help, why not share this valuable information with them.
1 March 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
February 2010
Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network Conference A Great Success
Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators from London and the South East of England attended the Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network (NHWN) Conference on 13 February.
Drawing together over 100-plus attendees, the event is one of five regional conferences taking place during January and February across the UK to share tools and best practice, and future proof Neighbourhood and Home Watch going forward.
Marion Lewis, Chair of NHWN, spoke of the vision, mission and values of the programme which has been in operation for 25 years in England and Wales. She highlighted the commitment of the seven million people involved in a voluntary basis in Neighbourhood and Home Watch schemes.
A wide range of speakers took part to showcase their work including discussions on a formal training qualification for NHWN and a central communications systems to link Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators, other schemes and partner organisations.
Jenny Penn, Principal Co-ordinator of the Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, presented in three good practice sessions, with particular focus on making friends and influencing people and building positive relationships with partners. This is part of the follow-up work carried out through the Capacitybuilders Programme (see news item published 18 January).
Key research findings from across all the focus groups, one-to-one interviews and online survey organised by ERS were shared including:
» Burglary, litter/fly tipping and anti social behaviour are the overall highest issues of concern
» When communicating, the preferred channels are email alerts at 70.3% of total respondents, and newsletters at 50%
» The best aspects of Neighbourhood Watch Schemes is the provision of information at 37.2% and social interaction at 35.5%
» Five out of six respondents said they have experienced improvements in the instances of anti social behaviour and litter/fly tipping as a direct result of Neighbourhood Watch
» The main benefit of an active Neighbourhood Watch Scheme is the provision of crime prevention advice at 92.3%
Dog Theft - Can You Help?
A resident was attacked in Flaxton Road, Plumstead, by two men who tried to steal her pug dogs on Wednesday 17 February. They knocked her down and managed to escape with one of her two dogs - an 18 month old beige female pug which is micro-chipped.If you saw the incident, or have spotted the dog since or been approached by someone trying to sell it, please contact the police on either 999; the non-emergency number 0300 123 1212;
Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team on mobile 020 8649 3540, office 020 8855 7379; Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555 111.
The owner is distraught and offering a £1,000 reward for the return of the dog.
'Dognapping' is a growing crime, up 75% in London alone in 2007 (source: Metropolitan Police). Please do your bit and remain alert to any suspicious and unusual behaviour.
Make Use of the Safer Neighbourhood Drop-In 'Surgeries'
The Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police Team would like to meet you. From 3:30 to 4:00pm every Wednesday members of the team will be available at different locations throughout the Shooters Hill Ward. This is your opportunity to talk face-to-face with the team about any issues or concerns you might have with policing in our community.
Forthcoming 'surgeries' for February, March and April are:
24 February - Macoma Road, junction with Erindale, Plumstead SE18 2QL
03 March - Shrewsbury House, Bushmoor Crescent, Shooters Hill SE18 3EG
10 March - Woolwich Common Community Centre, 16 Leslie Smith Square, Woolwich Common SE18 4DW
17 March - Macoma Road, junction with Erindale, Plumstead SE18 2QL
24 March - Shrewsbury House, Bushmoor Crescent, Shooters Hill SE18 3EG
31 March - Woolwich Common Community Centre, 16 Leslie Smith Square, Woolwich Common SE18 4DW
7 April - Macoma Road, junction with Erindale, Plumstead SE18 2QL
14 April - Shrewsbury House, Bushmoor Crescent, Shooters Hill SE18 3EG
21 April - Woolwich Common Community Centre, 16 Leslie Smith Square, Woolwich Common SE18 4DW
28 April - Macoma Road, junction with Erindale, Plumstead SE18 2QL
Please make use of this valuable service provided for you.
21 February 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
Your Website Has Been Improved
Today marks the launch of the expanded and redesigned Shooters Hill Ward Website.The website, previously known as the Shooters Hill Neighbourhood Watch Schemes website, has expanded to service the safety and security needs of residents, businesses, social groups, key stakeholders and partners across the whole of the Shooters Hill Police Ward. Adopting a new name but the same site address, the site provides an improved look and feel with a news archive - still delivering up-to-date news and information about safety, security and community events and activities. PC Fiona Genovese of the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police team stated: "The Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team are fully supportive of the expanded website which has been created voluntarily. This is an opportunity to keep in touch with relevant agencies and residents who are proud to maintain a strong community. This is a reflection on how working together can keep the communication doors open so that the ward can be a safe place to live and work." The Shooters Hill Ward website is updated on a regular basis and the webmasters have adopted a continuous improvement approach. Don't forget to register for the email alert service and please let us know what you think of the new website by sending an email to: contact@shnws.org.uk
Finally, we welcome your support and ask you to tell us about news and information happening where you live that we can share across the wider community.
13 February 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
AGM Demonstrates The Importance Of Partnership Working
A terrific range of speakers presented at the Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme annual general meeting on Thursday 28 January, making an informative and enjoyable evening for the co-ordinators, residents and guests.
Principal Co-ordinator Jenny Penn opened the evening with a summary of key achievements of the Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, focusing on the benefits of partnership work. The scheme aims for 2010 include hosting a Community Event in Eaglesfield Park on Saturday 12 June, and campaigning for funding to improve the children's play area. Borough Commander Richard Wood (pictured) started the formal line up of speakers with a great presentation on the challenges of policing Greenwich Borough. 100,000 houses, a quarter of a million residents and the huge amount of people travelling to and from Greenwich Borough every day presents a number of issues. This is in addition to 1,000 extra soldiers to be installed at Woolwich Barracks, two new prisons being built at Belmarsh and the 02 arena which has become a hugely successful venue attracting thousands of visitors. The 2010 Olympics will also present policing challenges - and all delivered without any more headcount. Councillors Denise Hyland and Danny Thorpe spoke about Eaglesfield Park achieving 'Green Flag' status and an equestrian centre being developed at Woodlands Farm which will support students studying for diplomas in related subjects. Sergeant Barry Edge of the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team discussed the great achievements at tackling the burglaries taking place in and around Shooters Hill. He encouraged residents to contact the team with any intelligence that might help to lead to arrests.
Both Friends of Eaglesfield Park (FOEP) and Friends of Shrewsbury Park (FOSP) spoke of their achievements to date, and work in progress. Carol Farr of FOSP confirmed their summer fete is taking place on Saturday 26 June. Michelle Smith of FOEP confirmed they have put in a Lottery bid (stage one) to restore the old lily pond in Eaglesfield Park.
Barry Gray, Chairman of the Severndroog Castle Building Preservation Trust, confirmed they have reached stage two of the Lottery funding bid and hope to know more in March. Woodlands Farm is hosting a barn dance on Saturday 12 June to support the restoration work.
Thank you to those people that attended. Plans are in place to change the format of the AGM to encourage networking, and we look forward to seeing you at the 2011 meeting.
07 February 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
January 2010
Bogus Sales People Target Community
Have you received a knock at your door from a door-to-door sales person? Do they come across as a bit to pushy, or what they are trying to sell appears to good to be true?
Our community is being targeted by a variety of sales people - some legitimate, some not. In all cases ask to see their ID. A reputable sales person will be more than happy to share their details with you, but bear in mind identification can be faked. If they are from a charity you could offer to support them at a later date by way of a payment direct to their company. If they are bonafide they should be more than happy to provide you with details. This in turn gives you with more time to check they are legitimate.
An example of a legitimate charity collection currently taking place in our community is the Red Cross, collecting on behalf of the Haiti earthquake appeal. The Red Cross will be working within the Borough of Greenwich for the duration of January and some of February. They will be wearing identity cards, which will have the persons name on it, with a telephone number you can call, if you have any concerns etc. The card will show the employers name as Support Direct Ltd.
Do not let cold callers or unauthorised sales people in to your home.
Distraction burglaries are on the increase and it only takes a few minutes for someone to steal from your home without you noticing. Don't be bullied in to accepting a service that you simply don't need or want. If you have any doubts, are unhappy or feel intimidated call the police. If in doubt, lock them out.
PCSO Giles Balestrini of the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police Team is organising a theatre production highlighting the dangers of distraction burglary and bogus callers, focussing on the over 60's.'Ma Kelly's Doorstep' opens on Saturday 6 February from 2:30pm at the Slade Community Centre, Pendrell Street, London SE18 2PJ (off Plumstead Common Road). Please call Community Safety on 020 8921 8389 for more information or to book places. The Attic Theatre Company provides an hour's entertainment, including a song or two, on the serious issue of bogus callers and how we can protect ourselves from them.
29 January 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
PCSO Russell Chapple Helps Elderly Lady
One week in to the new role, and our very own PCSO Russell Chapple of the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police team was helping residents off duty as well as on. Russell spotted an elderly lady showing signs of confusion and distress standing outside her home in Welling, Kent in the recent snow. Russell took immediate steps by engaging a neighbour and comforting the 88 year-old for over an hour with conversation, a well-needed cup of tea and something to eat. A few days after the incident Russell contacted her to make sure she was OK. Just one example of how Safer Neighbourhood Policing engages and cares for the community
29 January 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
Shooters Hill Area Plagued By Illegal Mini Moto Drivers
Throughout January a small group of young people have taken it upon themselves to ride their mini motorbikes on the pavements and roads with no regards to pedestrians, other road users or the community. This practice is illegal with the drivers riding their bikes at speed on the public footpaths and local parks. The bikes have no license plates and the riders and passengers are not wearing helmets.
Mini motos must be ensured and have a valid MOT. The drivers must have a license and the bikes can only be driven on private land (with prior permission granted) and as to not annoy others. Do your bit to help tackle this illegal and dangerous activity by calling it in to the police, providing as much information as possible such including description of the bikes, riders and locations.
29 January 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme Hosts AGM
Members of the Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Scheme are invited to attend the scheme's fourth Annual General Meeting on Thursday 28 January starting at 7:30pm. Guest speakers include: Greenwich Borough Commander Detective Chief Superintendent Richard Wood, Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police Team, Shooters Hill Ward Councillor Denise Hyland, Friends of Eaglesfield Park and Friends of Shrewsbury Park and the Severndroog Castle Building Preservation Trust.
Taking place at Shrewsbury House, Bushmoor Crescent, Shooters Hill, this is your chance to meet, listen and talk to a terrific line up of speakers. You will also be able to meet the Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme dedicated team of co-ordinators.
18 January 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
EPNWS Takes Part in Capacitybuilders Programme
The Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme has been selected along with 40 other Neighbourhood Watch Schemes nationwide to take part in a national study commissioned by The Home Office to ensure the growth, development and increased effectiveness of local Neighbourhood Watch Schemes.
Four schemes were selected in London to take part in a research programme, collating information of outstanding work carried out in local Neighbourhood Watch Schemes which in turn will lead to sharing best practice that can inspire other groups. "I am delighted that our scheme has been selected to take part in this valuable evaluation programme, and look forward to benefiting from the toolkits being developed. It demonstrates the importance of having active and effective Neighbourhood Watch Schemes," said Jenny Penn, Principal Co-ordinator.
The Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme application was approved and submitted to the Capacitybuilders evaluation programme by Jim Madden, Chair of London Neighbourhood Watch Association, with particular interest in the scheme's work in influencing and campaigning local council and government authorities to make the area safer.
One-to-one interviews and a focus group of key stakeholders, street co-ordinators and residents took place on 12 January, including the completion of an on-line survey - all to help gather information, the results of which will be shared at the Neighbourhood Home and Watch Network regional conference in February.
18 January 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
Update Following The Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Ward Panel Meeting
The latest Shooters Hill Police Ward Panel meeting was held on Tuesday 5 January. Current community issues were discussed including residents concerns, and priorities of our local Safer Neighbourhood Police Team were agreed for the forthcoming weeks. Principal Co-ordinators from two local Neighbourhood Watch Schemes attended to raise on your behalf key issues affecting our community. Key items discussed included:
Arrests - 27 arrests have been carried out by the Safer Neighbourhood Team since September'09, the last Ward Panel meeting. Four people were arrested for 'going equipped' and 60 tools have been confiscated relating to burglaries and other crimes. Three vehicle pursuits took place in Eaglesfield Road, Bushmoor Crescent and Herbert Road. 240 people have been stopped and searched in burglary hot-spots.
Burglaries - 5,000 leaflets containing crime prevention advice and hints and tips have been posted by the Safer Neighbourhood Team through letterboxes of residents living in the Shooters Hill Ward.
Barnfield Estate - With the increase in visible police presence, more residents are contacting the police to provide valuable intelligence which has led to numerous arrests. Ten Anti Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) are in place for residents on the Barnfield. The work in conjunction with the Violence Organised Crime Unit (VOCU) has resulted in seizures of weapons stashed throughout the estate.
Personnel Changes - PC Sarah Knapp and PCSO Maria Packer left the team in early January. Two PCSO's have joined the team, one temporarily. PC Fiona Genovese and PCSO Kevin Denney now have special focus on the Shooters Hill area. More news to follow on a new PC to replace Sarah Knapp.
Safer Neighbourhood Team 'Surgeries' - commencing Wednesday 20 January in Shrewsbury House, from 3:30pm to 4:00pm, these surgeries will be held every three weeks to provide you with an opportunity to meet the Safer Neighbourhood Team face-to-face and discuss any policing issues you may have. If you have any issues you would like raised at the Shooters Hill Ward Panel Meetings, contact the Principal Co-ordinator of your local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme to discuss further.
10 January 2010. .......BACK TO TOP
Meet The Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police Team
The Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police Team is hosting drop-in 'surgeries' in Shrewsbury House, Bushmoor Crescent SE18 3GE commencing Wednesday 20 January from 3:30pm to 4:00pm.
This is your opportunity to talk face-to-face with the team about any issues or concerns you might have with policing in our community. The surgeries are repeated every three weeks on a Wednesday, with the next session on Wednesday 10 February.
07 January 2010 .......BACK TO TOP
All Change On The Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police Team
Our Neighbourhood Police Team is going through further personnel changes, with the recent departure of PC Sarah Knapp and PCSO Maria Packer. Sarah has moved to the Explosive Detection Dog Unit and Maria joins the Met Police's Safer Schools initiative. Maria will be joining ex members of the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood team including PC Cliff Graham, PC Adam Calladine and PCSO Dave Lennon. We thank both Maria and Sarah for their hard work and commitment and wish them well in their new roles.
Two new PCSO's have joined the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team - Adam Gibbs and Russell Chapple, with Adam scheduled to be with the team for three months. PC Fiona Genovese and PCSO Kevin Denney now have special responsibility for the Shooters Hill area, moving from the Barnfield Estate, and we welcome their focus on our community using their local knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment to the role.Further clarification is being sought as to the recruitment of a new PC to replace Sarah Knapp - more on this to follow.
07 January 2010 .......BACK TO TOP
Help Save Severndroog Castle
You can do your bit to help restore Severndroog Castle and preserve a part of local history for all to enjoy. With a donation of just £5 to sponsor a brick, you can help to save the castle and put Severndroog back on the map as a jewel in South-East London's crown.
Severndroog Castle, located in Castle Wood on Shooters Hill, was built in 1784 as a love folly or memorial to Sir William James by his wife, Lady James. The name Severndroog refers to Sir James's most famous exploit in 1755 when he destroyed a fleet and stronghold of pirates on an island fortress off the coast of Malabar, India.
After years of unfortunate neglect, a project has been established to provide a well-needed restoration of the castle and re-open it to the public. The Severndroog Castle Building Preservation Trust, formed in 2002, is applying to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a grant to restore this unique Grade II* listed building. The final bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund will be made in February, with other funding from English Heritage and grant giving charities. The trust also has to raise funds and the target is £50k. As well as approaching other grant-giving organisations for match funding, the trust needs to generate funds from other sources. Local people have already shown their support for the restoration and re-opening of this much-loved building by signing petitions, giving donations and visiting on open days. To take part in the 'Sponsor A Brick Campaign' visit: www.justgiving.com/sponsorabrickforseverndroog/ For more information visit the Severndroog Castle website at: www.severndroogcastle.org.uk
03 January 2010 .......BACK TO TOP